Camera techniques - Camera Angles

Camera angle determines the angle or position of the camera from the subject. The height and orientation or level of the camera decides the angle of the camera. Various angles can create different moods and meanings to the scene.

1.      High Angle Shot

In a high angle shot the subject or scene is filmed from a higher angle. Here the camera points downwards. The subject looks relatively smaller while filming from a higher angle.

2.     Low Angle Shot

The subject or the scene is filmed directly from below in a low angle shot. The camera is pointing upwards towards the subject and it appears larger to the viewers.

3.     Bird’s Eye View

It is an extreme of high angle shot. In this case the camera is pointing downwards to the subject from a longer distance. The camera will be either mounted on a crane or a drone. In this case the camera is directly above the subject and the subject may look too small for the viewers. It is also called overhead shot.

4.     Eye Level Shot

In this case the camera is placed proportionate to the eye level of the subject. It is commonly used in medium shots. It gives a feeling to the viewer that the character or the subject is directly looking at them.

5.     Dutch Angle Shot

In the case of Dutch angle shot the camera angle is deliberately slanted to one side. This can be used for dramatic effect and helps portray restlessness, disorientation, worried or desperate action, alcoholism, madness, etc. It is also called a Dutch tilt and oblique shot.

6.     Point of View Shot

This type of shot shows the perception or view point of a specific subject or character present in the scene. It is not deliberately used in film making. Point of view shot can make the audience feel they are watching a real incident. Found footage films and horror films have extensively used this type of shots.